US3345500A

US3345500A - Cyclic code generating means

Info

Publication number: US3345500A
Authority: US
Inventors: John A Russell
Original assignee: AO Smith Corp
Current assignee: New England Digital Corp; Smith Meter Inc
Priority date: 1963-03-01
Filing date: 1963-03-01
Publication date: 1967-10-03
Anticipated expiration: 1984-10-03

Description

11957 J. A. RUSSELL 3, 4 00 GYCLIC CODE GENERATING MEANS Filed March 1. 1963 INVENTOR JON/V A. Russlu BY juirus f Shir-Fe Alforqar;

United States Patent York Filed Mar. 1, 1963, Ser. No. 262,136 3 Claims. (Cl. 235-6111) This invention relates to a cyclic code generating means and particularly to such a means for sequentially generating a large number of different codes before the code sequence is repeated.

In remotely controlled dispensing systems and the like, a coded input means provides a convenient way of controlling operation of the system and restricting operation to authorized persons for establishing a new code in the device in response to each proper actuation thereof. For example, in the recently issued United States Patent No. 3,055,549 to James H. McGaughey, a remote inventory control system for sequentially releasing quantities of gasoline in the main storage tank to service station operators by the bulk supplier is disclosed. The illustrated system therein employs a code card carrying a series of different code rows each of which includes selected apertures in accordance with code designations. The code card is locked within a code reading device having means to sequentially align the code rows in a card reader in response to each proper actuation of the system. Although the code card systems present many advantages over and above the token and check operated system, the number of different codes which can be carried by a card is substantially limited due to space and similar considerations. As a result, not infrequent servicing must be done to replace the code card in the coded control system or unit to maintain coded operation thereof. This is relatively time consuming and costly and further permits collusion between the operator of the device and the service personnel installing or servicing the cards.

The present invention is particularly directed to a cyclic code generating means which establishes predictable series of code combinations, each series including a very substantial number of different codes before repeating. The present invention thereby substantially reduces the problems attendant the code card and the like.

In accordance with the present invention, at least one pair of cyclically movable code carriers is mounted for simultaneous movement relative to a code reader to sequentially present code rows or positions to the code reader. Means are provided to change the synchronization of movement of the two code carrying elements with respect to the code reader by a predetermined amount at the end of each cyclic movement of one of the elements. In this manner the total code number of codes generated is a multiple of the code positions on the two elements.

In a preferred construction, a pair of rotating belts or rows on the one belt times the number of code rows' on the second belt.

The present invention thus provides a relatively simple and inexpensive code generating means adapted to having a very substantial capacity before the predictable code series is repeated.

after each complete revolution of 3,345,500 Patented Oct. 3, 1967 The drawing furnished herewith illustrates the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the in- Vention.

In the drawing:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration connected in a control circuit; and

FIG. 2 is a vertical section taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1 through a code generating unit constructed in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawings and particularly to FIG. 1, a simplified control circuit is schematically shown to clearly illustrate the operation of the present invention and to demonstrate the operation of a code generating means constructed in accordance with the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a motor 1 is shown as a load and is connected to suitable AC. power lines 2 in series with contacts 3-1 of a main control contactor 3. A relay 4 includes a set of normally closed contacts 4-1 connected in series circuit with the contactor 3 and a main control switch 5 to a set of low voltage control lines 6 for manual and coded control of motor 1. The control lines 6 are coupled to the incoming power lines 2 by a transformer 7 to provide a low voltage control circuit in accordance with known practice. Relay 4 is connected to the lines 6 in series with a code generating and reading assembly 8 which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. A code input switch 9 is connected in the series circuit of the code generating and reading assembly 8 and maintains the relay 4 de-energized in the absence of a preselected actuation of the switch unit 9, as hereinafter described.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the generating and reading assembly 8 includes a pair of perforated tapes or belts 10 and 11 formed of plastic or other suitable electrical insulating medium. Each of the belts 10 and 11 is of a similar width and is provided with a plurality of equicircumferentially distributed code rows 12 and 13, respectively. Each of the code rows 12 and 13 extends laterally of the corresponding belts 10 and 11 with the spacing or pitch between adjacent code rows 12 and be. tween adjacent rows 13 being the same. Each of the code rows includes a plurality of similarly located and laterally spaced code character positions; certain of which positions in each row are provided with perforations 14. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention each of the code rows 12 and 13 presents combinations of continuous code areas and apertured code areas, some of which differ from others.

The belts 10 and 11 differ in circumferential length by the distance between one set of the adjacent code rows 12 or 13. In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the belt 10 is assumed and is shown slightly larger and carries one extra code row 12.

The belts 10 and 11 are rotatably supported in sidebyside relation on a drive and carrier mechanism including a common contact and drive roller 15 which is smaller than the diameter of belt 10 or 11 and projects through one end of the belts.

Two sets of circumferentially distributed drive teeth 16 are provided on the roller 15 in alignment with the opposite edges of the belt 10. A series of drive openings or apertures 17 are formed in the edges of belt 10 in accordance with the pitch of the teeth 16 and mesh therewith such that rotation of roller 15 similarly rotates the belt 10.

Similar drive teeth 18 are aligned with drive apertures in the opposite edges of the belt 11 to establish synchronous movement of belts 10 and 11.

A channel-shaped guide 19 having a curvature similar to radius of roller 15 extends through the belts 10 and 11 and presents a supporting surface to the adjacent belts. A

portion of guide 19 is properly offset, as most clearly shown in FIG. 2, in alignment with the longer belt 10 to accommodate the greater size thereof. Suitably spaced outwardly extending walls 20 are provided on the guide 19 in alignment with the edges of belts 10 and 11 for aligning and guiding of the belts 10 and 11 for rotational movement.

The reading portion of the assembly 8 includes a first set of five brushes 21 mounted adjacent the roller 15 and in alignment With the five code positions for perforations 14 in code rows 12 of belt 10.

A similar set of five brushes 22 is similarly mounted adjacent the roller 15 and belt 11 in alignment with the code position of the code rows 13.

All of the brushes 21 and 22 are mounted to resiliently engage the aligned belts 10 and 11 and to pass through an aligned aperture 14 into engagement with the common contact and drive roller 15. Thus, a circuit path is completed through each of the apertures between the roller 15 and the corresponding brush 21 or 22. These circuit paths must be opened by the switch unit 9 to permit operation of motor 1.

The illustrated switch unit 9 includes two sets of five push button switches 23 and 24, respectively. The push button switches 23 are serially connected one each with the five brushes 21 and the push button switches 24 are similarly serially connected with the brushes 22. A common line 25 is connected to the opposite end of each of the switches 23 and 24 and to relay 4. The opposite side of the relay 4 is connected directly to one of the control lines 6. The common contact and drive roller 15 is connected by a manually operated switch 26 to the opposite control line 6. Switch 26 is normally open and is coupled to switch for simultaneous and similar positioning.

The relay 4 is thus connected to the lines 6 individually in series with each of the switches 23 and 24, the associated brushes 21 and 22 and roller 15. The switches 23 and 24 are all normally closed switches and are preferably interlocked in any suitable manner, not shown, such that only a preselected number of the switches can be actuated at any one time. This would prevent disabling of the function of the reader by simultaneous opening of all switches 23 and 24. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, each code may be formed by three perforations 14 in the code rows 12 and 13 aligned with the corresponding brushes 21 and 22. A suitable mechanical interlock, not shown, can be provided whereby only three of the push button switches 23 and 24 can be actuated at any one time. If the three proper switches 23 and 24 are not opened, a circuit for the relay 4 will be completed upon closing of switch 26 through the aperture 14 in the character position with a closed switch 23 or 24. The relay 4 is energized and opens the contacts 41 which prevent energizing of the motor contactor 3 and therefore motor 1. If the three proper switches 23 and 24 are opened, however, the circuit to relay 4 is maintained open. When switches 5 and 26 are closed, relay contacts 4-1 remain closed and motor 1 is en ergized as a result of the energizing of contactor 3.

The motor 1 is coupled to move belts and 11 and align the next succeeding code rows 12 and 13 with brushes 21 and 22 to provide a new combination of code openings 14 in the circuit, in the following manner.

A ratchet 27 is fixed to the one end of a shaft 28 for the common contact and drive roller 15, as by key 29. A solenoid operated pawl 30 is mounted to operate the ratchet 27 and includes a solenoid 31 coupled to the AC. power lines 2. A normally open switch 32 is inserted in the lines connecting the solenoid 31 to the lines 2 and this switch is coupled to the motor 1, shown diagrammatically by the dashed couplingline 33 for actuation by the motor 1. Closing and opening of the switch 32 results in the energizing and de-energizing of the solenoid 31 and an actuating movement of the pawl 30 which rotates the ratches 27 one step. The stepped move- 4 ment of the ratchet 27 is transmitted through the shaft 28 to the roller 15 and to the belts 10 and 11. Ratchet 27 and pawl 30 are constructed to move belts 10 and 11 one code row and thereby the next succeeding code rows 12 and 13 are aligned with the respective sets of brushes 21 and 22 and the corresponding push button switches 23 and 24. A new code combination is thus generated and inserted in alignment with the brushes 21 and 22 which requires a new setting of the push button switches 23 and 24.

The switches 23 and 24 are also coupled to the motor 1, as shown by the respective dashed

lines

34 and 35, and are reset to the normally closed position by the operation of motor 1. As a result, the circuit through the relay 4 is then completed via the conducting path through the apertures 14 of the new code established as previously described. However, the motor 1 is maintained energized by a self cycling control switch 36 which is coupled to be operated by motor 1 and is connected in parallel with the relay contacts 4-1. Switch 36 is normally open with an initial period of motor operation effective to close it and thereby maintain energizing of the motor until a complete preset cycle has been effected. At the end of the cycle, the motor switch 36 opens and the motor 1 is de-energized. Opening of switches 3 and 26 resets the relay 4 and contacts 4-1 close to return the circuit to standby until a proper setting of the switch unit 9 in accordance with the new code is made.

Thus, a sequential number of operations of the motor 1 can be code controlled by maintaining a record of the movement of the belts 10 and 11.

Each time the smaller belt 11 completes one complete revolution, the larger belt 10 will have moved one pitch or one code row less and will align a new code row 12 with the previous initial code rows 13 of the belt 11. For example, assume the larger belt has a circumference of 10% inches with the code rows 12 spaced Mi inch apart such that the larger belt 10 carries a total of 41 rows or sets of perforations in the complete circumference. Assume the other belt 11 is 10 inches in circumference and thus with the code rows separated by inch as provided on belt 10, 40 rows of the code perforations exist in the complete circumference. Each cyclic revolution of the belts 10 and 11 results in a new alignment of code rows 12 and 13 providing a total of 1,640 code combinations which are sequentially established before the sequence repeats. Each of the 1,640 combinations is completely predictable and can be prerecorded for transmission subsequently to the operator of the coded device.

The present invention thus provided a repetitive code generating means including a plurality of code carriers with means to vary the movement thereof in a predetermined manner for producing a substantial number of different code combinations before the sequence repeats. The code generating means thus greatly minimizes the time and cost of servicing as well as assuring the availability of an operative code input. The system is therefore particularly adapted for remote control systems wherein the codes are to be released to the operator in accordance with a requested manner.

Although particularly shown with belt devices as the code carriers, any other suitable carrier may be employed having suitable openings or other suitable code identifiable characteristics.

Various modes of carrying out the invention are contemplated as being within the scope of the following claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as the invention.

1 claim:

1. In a code generating assembly for controlling a load,

(a) a pair of endless belts each including a plurality of code rows circumferentially spaced with the spatial density of the rows on the belts being the same and with each code row having a plurality of code areas, one of said belts being longer by the distance between adjacent code rows,

(b) a drive roller having said belts mounted thereon in side-by-side relation,

(c) releasable means coupling said belts to the roller for simultaneously and similarly moving said belts in response to rotation of the roller,

((1) a plurality of code area sensing elements mounted to resiliently engage the endless belt with each element aligned with a code area, and

(e) a step-by-step drive means coupled to said roller for incrementally moving the roller in accordance with the spacing between code positions.

2. The code generating assembly of claim 1 having,

(a) means adapted to be coupled to the load for actuating said step-by-step drive means once for each predetermined operation of the load.

3. In a code generating assembly for controlling a load,

(a) a pair of endless belts each containing a plurality of circumferentially distributed drive openings and a plurality of code rows circumferentially spaced with the spatial density of the rows on the belts being the same and with each code row having a plurality of code areas, one of said belts being longer by the distance between code rows,

(b) a contact and drive roller having said belts mounted thereon in side-by-side relation,

(c) a guide spaced from said roller and having the belts mounted thereon to maintain the belt in firm engagement with the drive roller,

(d) drive means circumferentially distributed about said drive roller in alignment and engagement with the drive openings in said belts for simultaneously and similarly moving said belts,

(e) a plurality of code area sensing elements mounted to resiliently engage the endless belt with each element aligned with a code area,

(f) switch means interconnected with said elements to form a control circuit adapted to be connected to control said load,

(g) a step-by-step means coupled to said roller for incrementally moving the roller in accordance with the spacing between code positions, and

(h) means coupled to the load to actuate said step-bystep drive means once for each operation of the load.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS DARYL W. COOK, Acting Primary Examiner.

I. I. SCHNEIDER, Assistant Examiner.

Claims

3. IN A CODE GENERATING ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING A LOAD, (A) A PAIR OF ENDLESS BELTS EACH CONTAINING A PLURALITY OF CIRCUMFERENTIALLY DISTRIBUTED DRIVE OPENINGS AND A PLURALITY OF CODE ROWS CIRCUMFERENTIALLY SPACED WITH THE SPATIAL DENSITY OF THE ROWS ON THE BELTS BEING THE SAME AND WITH EACH CODE ROW HAVING A PLURALITY OF CODE AREAS, ONE OF SAID BELTS BEING LONGER BY THE DISTANCE BETWEEN CODE ROWS, (B) A CONTACT AND DRIVE ROLLER HAVING SAID BELTS MOUNTED THEREON IN SIDE-BY-SIDE RELATION, (C) A GUIDE SPACED FROM SAID ROLLER AND HAVING THE BELTS MOUNTED THEREON TO MAINTAIN THE BELTS IN FIRM ENGAGEMENT WITH THE DRIVE ROLLER, (D) DRIVE MEANS CIRCUMFERENTIALLY DISTRIBUTED ABOUT SAID DRIVE ROLLER IN ALIGNMENT AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE DRIVE OPENINGS IN SAID BELTS FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY AND SIMILARLY MOVING SAID BELTS, (E) A PLURALITY OF CODE AREA SENSING ELEMENTS MOUNTED TO RESILIENTLY ENGAGE THE ENDLESS BELT WITH EACH ELEMENT ALIGNED WITH CODE AREA, (F) SWITCH MEANS INTERCONNECTED WITH SAID ELEMENTS TO FORM A CONTROL CIRCUIT ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO CONTROL SAID LOAD, (G) A STEP-BY-STEP MEANS COUPLED TO SAID ROLLER FOR INCREMENTALLY MOVING THE ROLLER IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPACING BETWEEN CODE POSITIONS, AND (H) MEANS COUPLED TO THE LOAD TO ACTUATED SAID STEP-BYSTEP DRIVE MEANS ONCE FOR EACH OPERATION OF THE LOAD.